To graduate from high school you must have the right amount of credits. This varies, as well as the courses required, by state. Most states require around 110 credits accumulated over the 4 years of your high school career. I live in New Jersey so I will use their requirements as a model. Your requirements should be similar with maybe some minor changes. If you would like to know your states specific course requirements and total credits you can click on the link in the resources section of this article. Then click on your state.
Grade 9:
Math: Three years of math is required at 5 credits per year. The standard math class for grade 9 is Algebra. Students may also choose from Consumer Math, Pre-Algebra, or Pre-Calculus. The other courses are considered if a child is above or below average in mathematical skills. For instance, a below average student may take pre-algebra first while an above average student moves on to pre-calculus.
English: Four years of English is required at 5 credits per year. The standard English curriculum is called English I or English grade 9. It combines grammar, writing, and literature. Many curriculum's have Literature textbooks separate, but it is counted as part of the years curriculum.
Science: Three years of Science are required at 5 credits per year. 9th graders study Physical Science or Earth Science. They are the same thing, but some textbooks call them Physical Science and some call them Earth Science. There really are no substitutions for this course. The only choice you have is which company you buy a textbook from. They are a little bit different, but they all teach the same principals.
History: Three years of History are required at 5 credits per year. 9th grade History is usually called American History. In NJ you are required to study two year of United States History. I imagine most states have the same requirements. There are no substitutions just different companies and textbooks.
10th Grade:
Math: The 10th grade year students study Algebra II. Some other possibilities are Consumer Math, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, and Accounting I. These choices are open for students who are above or below average in Math.
English: The 10th grade English curriculum is either called English II or English grade 10. It combines grammar, writing, and literature. It is basically like English I, but more in depth.
Science: 10th grade science is almost always Biology. There really aren't any substitutions for this class.
History: 10th grade is when students study Civics. This is to complete the 2 years of US History that is required. There are not any substitutes for this class.
11th Grade:
Math: This is the last year for required math. The most commonly taken course is Geometry. Some substitutes are Consumer Math, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Accounting I, or Accounting II.
English: English for 11th graders is either called English III or English grade 11. It combines grammar, writing, and literature. Again it builds on the year before. There are no substitutes.
Science: 11th graders have a choice. This is their last required year. They may take science in 11th grade or wait until 12th grade. It is recommended that they take it in 11th grade. The choices are Physics or Chemistry. They are usually the only 2 choices available.
History: 11th graders typically study World History and Geography. This is the only class that is offered. This is also the last year to study history.
12th Grade:
Math: No math is required in 12th grade, however, some students elect to take one of the other math classes offered. They can take Consumer Math, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Accounting I, or Accounting II.
English: The final English class is called English IV or English grade 12. There are no substitutes and students can expect the course to build on the year before. They will learn grammar, writing, and Literature.
Science: If science was completed in grade 11 students do not need to take it their senior year. If they did not take science they will need to take either Physics or Chemistry to meet the requirements.
History: No history is required for 12th grade. You can buy 12th grade curriculum from places like LifePac if you want to continue practicing your Geography skills.
Other Requirements for Graduation:
Health and Physical Education: A combined 3.75 credits per year.
The Arts: 5 credits total for the 4 years are required. That could be from music, art, drama, or dance.
Other Languages: 5 credits total for the 4 years are required. This could be Spanish, French, Latin, Greek, Sign Language, etc.
Electives: 15 credits total are required for the 4 years.
Career Education: 5 credits total are required for the 4 years. Any class that teaches about a career of life skill is counted in this category.
Resources:
State by State Requirements for Graduation